The Angel and the Highlander(9)
She didn’t know what happened to change things between herself and her father, or perhaps she did. She had developed a willful mind, though it had been he who encouraged it. She felt she merely was truly her father’s daughter. She would do as she pleased, not as she was told and her mouth was sharp with retorts. Her father had warned her that no one would seek a union with her if she didn’t watch her mouth. She was fine with that, for she wanted no master for a husband. Her father thought differently.
“As I told you, she is at peace. That should make him happy,” Terese said.
“You spent time traveling here with Alyce Bunnock, what did you think of her?”
Terese wasn’t sure what to say about herself. Did she tell him that Alyce was an intelligent woman, brave, adept with weapons, and could sit a horse with skill? Did she tell him that Alyce was good at tactics, having helped her father plan his battle strategies? Or did she confirm what he probably had heard; that Alyce Bunnock was not the easiest person to befriend?
“I spent limited time with her.”
“Your choice?” Lachlan asked.
“Circumstances.”
“Or is it that you wish not to speak ill of the dead?”
“Alyce Bunnock was not a bad woman,” she said, no longer able to stand there and not defend herself. “And it is not appropriate to speak callously of the dead.”
Her reprimand wiped the smile off his face. “I meant no disrespect. I only—”
“Wanted to satisfy your own curiosity,” she finished for him and held up her hand to prevent further protest. “Alyce Bunnock is dead and buried. Let her rest in peace.”
He nodded, though she could see he wasn’t pleased by her command. He let a gentle smile surface and graced his tone with charm.
“I will inform the church officials of how dedicated you all are to the convent and how you all wish to continue your work.”
“Please also add that we have worked diligently with the pagans in the area and they are prospering through our efforts.”
“You have converted many?” he asked.
“Yes, we have converted many to our ways,” she answered, not bothering to define our ways for him.
“The church, I am sure, will be happy to hear this.”
She was counting on that and hoped the next couple of months would not prove as difficult as she feared. “Then let your men be off, so that this matter may be settled as soon as possible.”
“I hope that our stay here will prove more of an asset than a hindrance.”
She hoped the same herself, but a little help from the heavens wouldn’t hurt. “God willing all will go well.”
A raised voice caught both their attention. When Terese turned to see Megan marching toward her, her dark curly hair bouncing madly around her flushed face, and with one of Lachlan’s men close on her heels, she feared the heavens might finally be upset with her never-ending string of lies.
“Tell this man…” Megan shook her finger at the warrior who now stood beside her.
Lachlan supplied his name. “Andrew. He is trustworthy and courageous.”
“That may be the case, but I am in no need of him,” Megan insisted.
Andrew offered an explanation. “She is, that is Sister Megan is, going to visit a few farms and I thought perhaps she could use help.”
Megan looked to Terese. “And I told him I don’t need his help, thank you very much.”
Terese knew from the brilliance of Megan’s green eyes that she was annoyed. It was a trait all the women were aware of and they treaded lightly around her at those times.
“It is very thoughtful of you, Andrew,” Terese said and hoped her excuse would prove viable. “But Sister Megan always goes alone. She enjoys the solitary walks.”
“But she’s so-so-so—little,” Andrew finally spit out.
Terese almost rolled her eyes, knowing his remark would only provoke Megan’s annoyance more. And sure enough, Megan turned on Andrew with a flourish.
The six foot, lean-muscled man took a step back as Megan, all five feet three of her, vehemently shook her finger in his face, though she had to stretch her hand up to do it.
“You think size makes a difference? Why—why I could—”
Terese stepped in before Megan said something she would regret and would make matters worse for them. She grabbed hold of the waving finger. “Sister Megan, Andrew is merely trying to help, while here.”
A reminder of who the man thought her to be had the desired affect and the color of Megan’s eyes instantly softened. She was quick to offer a suitable apology. “Forgive me. I thought only of myself and the walks I so enjoy.”